MANILA – The Philippine men’s volleyball team dethroned defending champions Thailand, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15, in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Bryan Bagunas tallied 27 points built on 23 attacks, two aces and as many as blocks on Sunday night while Marck Espejo chipped in double-double 20 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Kim Malabunga contributed 16 markers.
“Sobrang saya, ‘di ko maipaliwanag ‘yung nararamdaman ko ngayon. Nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon and sure silver na kami,” said national head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Already on the brink of elimination after facing a 21-24 deficit late in the fourth set, the men’s volleyball team rallied behind Bagunas and Malabunga to force a tie. Then with a huge attack point, Bagunas sent the match to a decider.
In the fifth set, Espejo and Malabunga took turns in the offensive end to give the home team an 8-6 advantage but Thailand showed its experience as it snatched the lead at 10-9.
Bagunas fired the equalizer and forced deadlocks several times before Thailand reach match point at 14-13.
Malabunga and Bagunas linked up to give the Philippines a 16-15 edge before Bagunas fired the game-winner to complete the upset.
The national men’s volleyball team assured itself of at least a silver medal finish when it faces Indonesia in the gold medal match on Tuesday evening in its first SEA Games men’s volleyball finals appearance since 1977./PN
